Preventive dentistry focuses on the prevention and early detection of oral health concerns to help ensure they do not develop or progress to a more severe stage that is harder to treat. One of the primary goals of preventive dentistry is to help patients care for their teeth between check-up visits, which should include proper flossing during one’s daily oral care routine.
Many understand the importance of brushing teeth, but the importance of flossing is often understated or not fully appreciated by many. This review discusses the benefits of flossing for preventive dentistry to illustrate exactly why dental professionals find it so important for patients to floss regularly.
Often, the inevitable result of an improper flossing routine is the development of gum disease. Of course, brushing and the use of mouthwash may help reduce the risk of gum disease, but flossing is equally important. This is because flossing can remove plaque and food particles that accumulate along the gum line, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that may be missed while brushing.
Decay (cavities) can occur in between teeth if food and plaque become lodged and are not promptly removed. This creates an acidic reaction that can eat away at the dental enamel, leading to the need for restorative dentistry. Flossing is, of course, the most logical way to remove food that is lodged in between teeth and reduce the risk of decay in hard-to-reach areas.
Patients who begin flossing regularly often find that their breath smells better throughout each day. This makes sense considering the strong odor that food can have, especially when combined with bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth. Flossing, along with brushing, mouthwash, and drinking water throughout the day, can prevent bad breath (halitosis).
Flossing can prevent plaque build-up in between and along the edges of teeth. It can also make teeth look and feel as if more space is between them as well, which can provide the patient with a much more attractive smile that gives them more confidence daily.
Research has shown that individuals who develop gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease as well. While the specific reason for the correlation is not definitive, many believe this is because gum disease may contribute to the narrowing of arteries. Subsequently, by flossing and reducing the risk of gum disease, one is also reducing the risk of heart disease as well.
Here at our practice, we offer preventive dentistry services as well as restorative dentistry to help patients achieve ideal oral health. If you have any specific concerns about your oral health or are due for your next check-up visit, then we encourage you to give us a call to schedule a visit today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 945-1285 for an appointment in our Ashburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Ashburn, VA.
Preventive dentistry aims to keep the mouth healthy by preventing problems rather than waiting to fill a cavity when the patient feels pain or only addressing enamel erosion after teeth become sensitive. These services may include a deep cleaning of the teeth and other treatments that can only be performed by a licensed dentist.Many patients…
A family dentist spends most of their time performing preventative treatments that keep you and your loved one’s mouths healthy. The American Dental Association recommends getting preventative treatments like teeth cleanings at least twice a year. The data shows that it is an effective way to prevent the two most common dental issues: tooth decay…
Almost everyone understands the importance behind brushing your teeth and the role tooth enamel plays in preventative dentistry and maintaining dental health.However, many underestimate the unique quality that enamel has and don’t have a complete understanding of how enamel works, which in return makes it far more difficult to take the necessary precautions to ensure…
There are two types of patients who visit the dentist. The first is the type of person who comes in regularly, on the dot, for their biannual inspection, and then there are those patients who do not want to come into our office until they have some kind of dental emergency. While we welcome both…
Patients in good health should schedule preventive dentistry cleaning appointments at least twice a year,…
This article discusses how zirconia is used to make dental crowns and the benefits of…
Fixing dental issues with tooth-colored dental fillings is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed…
If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead.
Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our dentist can…
Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.
